TECHNOLOGY
on a computer. Legacy software, Excel, expensive new code and ancient or modern websites – an RPA robot can interact with them all. This makes them far more versatile than some of the simpler forms of automation. Moreover, an RPA solution is simple to set up. Each robot only needs to be ‘trained’ once, following rules laid out by the people who have previously performed that role. The development of the robot is very quick compared with most software
projects and is typically complete within a couple of months, depending on the complexity of the tasks involved. Once the first robot is built, it becomes much easier to build others by re-using some of the same blocks of code. Each of these blocks covers a specific function – a system login, for example. So, the project team quickly builds up a library of code blocks that can be re-used in subsequent robots and updated across all the robots at once – e.g. when a system login changes.
It’s an exciting time for the RPA market, as more organisations realise the potential for time and cost savings, in addition to allowing employees to make better use of their time. As previously misconceived by many businesses, automation doesn’t necessarily mean employees being replaced by robots – it’s a really effective way of freeing up time for staff to focus on the more ‘human’ element of their role, resulting in a happier workforce and happier customers. n
Issue 81 | Ju ne 2022 | Professional in Payroll, Pensions and Reward | 37
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